Leeds United fans must be fairly familiar with the name Baghdad Bounedjah by now. The Al Sadd and Algeria striker appears to be on the radar of Victor Orta and, in particular, Marcelo Bielsa – if reports are to be believed.
The stats speak for themselves. He has scored 42 goals in 27 games for his club this season. He is set to finish the campaign as the Qatari Stars League top scorer and AFC Champions League top-scorer. He has also scored three goals in three games for the Algeria national team, so make that tally 45 in 30 games.
So what is the problem?
Well, it is the price-tag. Al Sadd are hardly strapped for cash and Bounedjah is certainly comfortable at the club. The Qatari side has reportedly been asking for €15 million (£13.25 million) for the player.
However, that asking price has now been revised. With Marseille also lurking, France Football has done some digging. They claim that €5 million (£4.5 million) will get the Algerian and in fact suggest a loan-to-buy option could be an option.
At that price, he is certainly worth a punt from Leeds. The club has good contacts in Qatar due to their involvement with the Aspire Foundation which could give them the edge they need.
A player who has scored 45 goals in 30 games is worth a punt at £4.5 million. Leeds could be on the trail of a hidden gem.